Asphalt, Fiberglass & Tin Roof Shingles — What’s The Difference?

There are a wide variety of materials to choose from when building or replacing your home’s roof, and each one has its distinct advantages and disadvantages. Follow these tips by Accent Roofing to learn about the differences.

In this article, we look at several different roofing materials along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular shingle used today because they’re easy to install, easy to repair, and come in a wide range of colors.
Also, most installations can be done in a matter of hours, which keeps labor costs down.

However, asphalt shingles do have a downside; they’re not as durable as the other materials we’re going to look at today. Typically, a roof made from asphalt shingles will last about 20 years, and you’ll likely have to do some repairs along the way. Also, these shingles are easily damaged by branches and other debris, which could be a problem if you live in an area that experiences heavy storms and high winds.

Fiberglass Shingles
While similar to asphalt, these shingles are more durable and more resistant to damage. Also, these shingles are great for reflecting UV rays, which make them ideal if you live in a hot climate as it’ll help keep your house cool. Also, these shingles last about ten years longer than asphalt shingles, which gives you a little more value for your money.

The downsides of fiberglass shingles are that they are more expensive than traditional asphalt. You can expect to pay about $3,800 for a fiberglass roof as compared to $1,700 for an asphalt roof.

Tin Shingles
One of the great things about roofs made of metal is how long they last. A metal roof can last up to 50 years or more, which makes metal an excellent investment. Most homeowners would only have to install a metal roof once in their lifetime, which also helps with the resale value of the home.

Tin is also very durable and able to withstand almost anything Mother Nature can throw at it, which makes it ideal for those people who live in areas that experience harsh weather and storms.

The major downsides to tin shingles are that they absorb heat, which means that if you’re using these in a hot climate, your air conditioning unit will have to work harder to keep the house cool. Another downside is the price. Out of the three different shingles we looked at, tin is the most expensive to install at about $10 per square foot. Lastly, because tin isn’t widely used, getting a contractor for installation might be difficult depending on where you live.

Before you decide on a new roof, it’s best to ask yourself how long you plan to live in the house, what is your budget, and what’s best for your climate. Once you answer these questions, you’ll have a good idea on which roofing material is right for your home.